Auckland’s first XV ready for kick-off

A fashion designer, a master chef, a round-the-world sailor and one of New Zealand’s hottest music talents are among a star-studded group that will help get Aucklanders excited about Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

Mayor Len Brown named the distinguished group, affectionately known as Auckland’s first XV, at a function at Eden Park tonight.

Auckland’s recently appointed ambassador Councillor Sir John Walker was chosen as the captain of the team, which includes household names such as Ruben Wiki, Kerre Woodham, Julie Christie, Sir Wilson Whineray, Bernice Mene and Oscar Kightley.

The full first XV team (biographies attached) is:

• Sir John Walker KNZM KBE (captain) Olympic gold medallist and Auckland ambassador
• Michael Barnett ONZM Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive
• Julie Christie ONZM The queen of entertainment television
• Trelise Cooper ONZM Internationally accomplished fashion designer
• Grant Dalton Round-the-world sailor and Emirates Team NZ managing director
• Simon Gault Internationally respected master chef
• John Hart ONZM Former All Black coach and NZ Warriors executive director
• Carol Hirschfeld TV broadcaster and Maori TV head of programming
• Oscar Kightley Writer, actor, director and TV presenter
• Bernice Mene MNZM Silver Ferns netball great
• Nigel Morrison Sky City Entertainment Group managing director
• Sir Wilson Whineray KNZM OBE Former All Black captain and successful businessman
• Ruben Wiki ONZM Kiwis rugby league legend
• J. Williams R&B recording artist and hip-hop dancer
• Kerre Woodham Radio broadcaster, columnist and author.

Len Brown, acting as head coach, says he is thrilled with the calibre of the group and enthused about the contribution these passionate Aucklanders can make.

“These people all realise how important Rugby World Cup 2011 is and that we all have a role to play in ensuring the Tournament is a success for Auckland.”

The mayor and his fellow selectors Alan Whetton, Buck Shelford and Grant Fox – a trio of All Blacks who experienced RWC success in 1987 – say the team was certainly a hard one to select with so many talented Aucklanders to choose from.

“Essentially what we were looking for were people who were highly respected in their fields and could see the importance of showcasing the best Auckland has to offer during RWC 2011,” says Len Brown

The mayor says tonight’s announcement is another important step towards Auckland being ready to be the hub of the Tournament.

“With Eden Park’s redevelopment completed and our transport and waterfront plans charging ahead, we know the bricks and mortar will be ready. The focus now is about ensuring Aucklanders will be ready to welcome the world.”

Rugby NZ 2011 Ltd chief executive Martin Snedden, himself a highly respected and influential Aucklander, says the first XV concept is a great initiative to spread the word that it’s not all about Rugby.

“Our mantra from day one has been around a stadium of four million. These ‘champions’ will be strong advocates for ensuring Auckland’s 1.4 million residents are right in behind the Tournament.”

First XV members will assist with Auckland’s preparations in a variety of ways including presentations to business groups, and writing newsletter columns and blogs that will encourage businesses to ready themselves. They will also make visits to schools and sports clubs, respond to media opportunities and use their networks to spread the word that Auckland will be ready to be the hub of RWC 2011.

ENDS

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